Democrat Breaks with Party, Backs Trump Admin on Air Traffic Reductions During Shutdown [WATCH]

Democratic Rep. Greg Stanton of Arizona is siding with the Trump administration over its decision to scale back air traffic operations amid the prolonged government shutdown that has entered its 38th day, as reported by Fox News.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered a 4% reduction in flights across 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, beginning Friday.

The reduction is expected to increase to 10% by November 14 if lawmakers fail to reach a deal to reopen the government. The FAA stated that the order was necessary to “maintain the highest standards of safety” during ongoing staffing shortages caused by the shutdown.

Among the affected airports is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which serves Stanton’s district and is Arizona’s largest airport.

“Safety must always be the highest priority,” Stanton said in a statement Thursday evening. “The decision by Secretary Duffy to reduce flights at America’s 40 busiest airports is the right call for the safety of the flying public,” he added in a post on X.

“Now it’s critical that Republicans and Democrats get together and reach a bipartisan agreement on a plan to reduce health costs and end the shutdown. Arizona deserves better, and so do the hardworking professionals who keep our skies safe.”

The move marks a rare moment of bipartisan agreement, with Stanton becoming one of the few Democrats to publicly support the administration’s aviation safety measures during the funding impasse.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

The shutdown has furloughed thousands of federal employees, while essential personnel—including air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers—continue to work without pay.

Many have been forced to take second jobs or call out sick, placing additional strain on the transportation system.

In Washington, where two major airports are also affected by the FAA’s order, Democratic leaders are holding firm on demands that any government funding deal include an extension of COVID-19-era enhanced Obamacare subsidies set to expire at the end of the year.

Republicans have rejected tying partisan health care provisions to the budget agreement, arguing that it would further delay reopening the government.

Stanton was among the House Democrats who voted against the GOP’s funding proposal when it passed the House on September 19.

His support for the administration’s safety directive now places him at odds with his party’s leadership as bipartisan Senate negotiations continue without a clear resolution in sight.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.